There are not many things I dislike about living in London. Of course, the weather could be better sometimes; transport could definitely be improved upon; and an increase in the living wage would help most ordinary Londoners. But the one day of the year I have come to absolutely loathe and despise in over a decade of living in this great city is Remembrance Sunday.

This week I am attending the World Economic Forum in India with leading politicians, economists, business leaders and community leaders. It is interesting to note that one particular issue has come to the fore at the forum this week after the US election result: a real and more focused conversation about the future of Afghanistan.

When he won his first election four years ago, he promised to restore America's reputation in the world. But as he starts his second and final term following a strong election victory last night, president Barack Obama resumes service in the White House with a reputation abroad as a hard-nosed leader who killed Osama Bin Laden and who sent drones to pursue extremists in far-flung places.

According to UK defence and security experts, president Obama's Afghan and counter-terrorism policies are broadly on the right track, while popular perceptions of US decline, diminishing European importance and Chinese supremacy are overstated. However, the Obama administration is also seen as having failed to improve US foreign relations in most key areas, particular with regards to Russia and the Middle East.

Rather than wearing a poppy, if we really want to remember the dead, then why don't we stop engaging in new wars? Why don't we stop occupying other countries? Why don't we stop bombing and killing children?

Involving children in the discussions that affect them truly changes the outcomes. Ensuring that those discussions are focused on the most poor and the most vulnerable will guarantee that this week's meeting has the lasting effects on children's lives that those gathered must surely want.

If Romney were to win this race for the White House, at least one prediction seems reliable: enter more Rose Garden references to a time when US policy-makers wore powdered wigs and knee-high breeches.

It is time for Justine Greening and the UK government to put their money where their mouth is when it comes to supporting women in Afghanistan. They must follow Australia's lead and make a sizeable new financial commitment to help end the shocking abuse of women.